Sharing mobile subscriber content in a publically viewable content distribution network

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system associating video content obtained from a first mobile device, with a video delivery channel of a television distribution service comprising a plurality of television channels to generate an updated video delivery channel that includes the video content. Equipment of a television receiver, when tuned to the video delivery channel, processes a television signal of the television distribution service to obtain the video content for presentation at a display device. A notification is initiated to a second mobile device, wherein the notification identifies an association of the video content and the video delivery channel, and wherein, responsive to the notification, equipment of a viewer accesses a message from the second mobile device indicating availability of the video content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/146,233, filed May 4, 2016, which is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/450,734, filed Aug. 4, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,363,539. Thecontents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by referenceinto this application as if set forth herein in full

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to sharing mobile subscriber content in apublically viewable content distribution network.

BACKGROUND

The deployment of next-generation wireless technologies, such as LongTerm Evolution (LTE), WiMAX and 4G, are well underway. Incorporation ofsuch technologies into mobility networks generally results insignificant improvement to data throughput compared to other legacy 3Gtechnologies. Consequently, downlinks can experience increases in datarates of up to three to five times, while uplink data rates canexperience increases in data rates of a factor of two to three times.

Likewise, there have been great strides in innovations to hand-held,mobile devices, such as smart-phones and tablet processors. Namely, eachgeneration of mobile device generally includes improved hardware, suchas built-in still and digital video cameras providing greaterresolution, more storage and greater processing speeds. The significantimprovements to data transfer in combination with enhancements in mobiledevices will invariably lead to an increased demand for multimediaapplications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a personal televisionchannel distribution system;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process used in portionsof the system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another process used inportions of the system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts another illustrative embodiment of yet another processused in portions of the system described in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5-6 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services, including personal television channeldistribution according to the processes of FIGS. 2-4;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1 and 5-6;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for impromptu acquisition of rich media content fromwireless broadband mobile user equipment and dissemination of suchcontent to television receivers by way of a television channel. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include broadband mobileuser equipment or devices that provide impromptu rich media content to atelevision distribution facility. At least a video portion of the richmedia content can be captured by a video camera and transported over awireless network as streaming media to the television distributionfacility. The streaming media serves as program content of a televisionchannel that can be distributed to equipment of one or more televisionviewers. Viewer access to the television channel can be unrestricted, asin public, or restricted according to various access-restrictiontechniques, such as those disclosed herein.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a process thatreceives, by a system comprising a processor, a request from a mobiledevice to distribute mobile video content from the mobile device by wayof a television service. A particular television channel of thetelevision service is determined by the system based on the request. Themobile video content is received by the system and program contentincluding the mobile video content is provided by the system for theparticular television channel. The program content is distributed by thesystem to a television receiver by way of the television service,wherein the television receiver presents the mobile video content at adisplay.

Another embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a device having amemory to store executable instructions and a processor in communicationwith the memory. The processor, responsive to executing theinstructions, facilitates performance of operations including receivinga notification from a mobile device that live video content is availableat the mobile device. A request is received from the mobile device todistribute the live video content from the mobile device by way of atelevision distribution service. The live video content is received fromthe mobile device and associated with a particular television channel ofthe television distribution service, which is distributed to equipmentof a television viewer. The equipment of the television viewer processesthe television signal to obtain the live video content for presentationat a display device.

Yet another embodiment of the subject disclosure includes amachine-readable storage medium including executable instructions. Theinstructions, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to facilitate performance of operations including receiving anotification that live video content is available at a mobile device. Arequest is received to distribute live video content from the mobiledevice to a television receiver by way of a television distributionservice. The live video content is received and associated with aparticular television channel of the television distribution service. Atelevision signal comprising the particular television channel isdistributed to the television receiver, wherein the television receiverpresents the live video content at a display.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a personal televisionchannel distribution system 100. In this embodiment, video contentobtained from a mobile device 102 is provided as program content of atelevision channel and delivered to a television receiver 118. In someembodiments, the television receiver is included within a mediaprocessor 116, such as a set-top box, in which received video content isprovided by the media processor 116 to a display device for presentationon a display 120.

Examples of the mobile device 102 include one or more of a smartphone, atablet device, a laptop computer, a media processor, a wirelesstelephony device, such as a wireless telephone, and the like. Audioand/or video equipment, such as a video camera, can be integral to themobile device 102, or separate, as in traditional video equipment orcameras 103, camcorders and webcams. A separate audio and/or videoequipment or camera 103 communicates with the mobile device 102according to any of a number of connectivity technologies. Examplesinclude a direct cable connection, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB)connection, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)1394, e.g., Firewire® connection, small computer serial interface (SCSI)connection or other wired connection, and the like, or wirelessconnectivity, such as 802.11a, b, g, n (referred to generically as802.11x), Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB) or other wireless connection.(Firewire® is a trademark registered to Apple Inc.)

The mobile device 102 generates video content based on video captured bythe video camera 103, and transfers the captured video content to apersonal channel server 112. The video content can portray a live scene105 that is within view of the video camera 103. The captured video maybe filmed in real-time by a user or subscriber associated with themobile device 102 and/or the video camera 103. The scene 105 can includeany event that may be filmed by the video camera 103. For example, aparent may utilize the video camera 103 and mobile device 102 to film achild's soccer game or other event. In this sense, the captured videomay be anticipated, as in association with a scheduled event. In otherinstances, the user may happen upon an event, unexpectedly, that theuser would like to share with others. The user is sometimes referred toherein as an author and/or producer of the video content. It isunderstood that video content authored by another individual can beprovided to the mobile device for dissemination according to thesubscriber of the wireless device.

The mobile device 102 can publish the user-generated live video to atelevision distribution network 114 in real-time, or at leastnear-real-time by way of the personal channel server 112. Scheduling ofsuch transmissions can be according to a scheduled time, or seeminglyrandomly in an impromptu fashion. Slight delays may arise fromprocessing delays that may amount to a fraction of a second, to a fewseconds or more. In some embodiments, intentional delays can beincluded, e.g., to allow time for editing by another entity, such as atelevision broadcaster, or for self-editing. If an impromptu scene 105is being and presented according to the techniques disclosed hereinbecomes suddenly graphic and inappropriate for certain audiences, anediting authority, such as the user, can opt to end, or pause videopresentation for at least a short period of time. A delay loop, in someinstances including a user selectable delay period, can be used to pauseor end a video presentation at an earlier time period controlled by thedelay. The delay loop allows the video broadcast to be paused orterminated before the graphic or otherwise unwanted scene is presentedto equipment any viewers. The delay loop can be used in combination witha blanking or beep function to block out or otherwise mask suchinappropriate segments.

The mobile device 102 can publish the user-generated live video to thewireless or mobility network 104 and television distribution network 114automatically in accordance with predefined settings or in response toany predefined event, such as in response to a user (e.g., the parent'smother) providing a user input command to publish the live video. Incertain examples, the system 100 can limit the distribution of thepublished live video to a group of one or more users included in apredefined user group (e.g., members of a family) in accordance with auser's media sharing settings, which may be defined in the user's userprofile.

The video content is transferred from the mobile device 102 to thepersonal channel server 112 by way of one or more network connections orpaths. In the illustrative embodiment, wireless communications isestablished between the mobile device 102 and a wireless access point106. The wireless access point 106, can be a WiFi access point or a basetransceiver station (eNodeB) of a wireless network. In at least someembodiments, the network path traverses a mobility network 104, a corenetwork 108 and a television distribution network 114. The mobilitynetwork 104 operates according to any of a number of suitable wirelessaccess protocols, such as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code DivisionMultiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA,Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability forMicrowave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolutionor LTE, and so on.

The core network 108 can be a public network, such as a wide areanetwork, e.g., the Internet, a metropolitan network, or a privatenetwork, such as a private carrier network, an internet servicesprovider network, a campus network, a local network, or a combination ofone or more such networks. In some embodiments, the core network 108 canbe the enhanced packet core of an LTE network. It should be understoodthat the network 108 can include physical components, such as routers,switches and/or gateways, virtual elements, or some combination of both.

An arrow 107 represents a video feed transmitted and carrying datarepresentative of the captured live video from the mobile device 102 tothe personal channel server 112 by way of the mobility network 104 andultimately to the television distribution network 114 for distributionas television channel content. It is understood that in someapplications, one or more of the mobility network, the core network 108or the television distribution network 114 are controlled or otherwiseoperated by the same entity. Examples include network carriers thatoffer so-called “triple-play” service (voice, Internet, television), or“quadruple-play service” (voice, Internet, television and mobile). Forsituations in which one or more of the varied services are provided bydifferent service providers, it is envisioned that suitable connectivityor network feeds are established to forward data in a virtually seamlessmanner

The television distribution network 114 can include one or more ofterrestrial broadcast television service, satellite delivery service,cable delivery service, or internet protocol television (IPTV) service.Terrestrial broadcast television can include digital terrestrialtelevision (DTTV), or legacy analog broadcast television. DTTV usesmultiplex transmitters to allow reception of multiple channels on asingle frequency range (such as a UHF or VHF channel) known assubchannels. One or more such subchannels can be designated aspersonalized television channels within a given broadcast coverage area.Any of the personal TV channels disclosed herein can represent a channelor sub channel of the television distribution network 114.

With respect to cable system television distribution network 114,television programs (analog or digital) are distributed to payingsubscribers via radio frequency signals transmitted through coaxialcables or light pulses through fiber-optic cables. Multiple televisionchannels are distributed to subscriber residences through a coaxialcable using frequency division multiplexing. Each channel is given adifferent frequency “slot” on the cable. At the subscriber's residence,either the subscriber's television or a media processor, e.g., a set-topbox, translates the desired channel back to its original frequency(baseband), for presentation at the display 120. At a local headend, thefeed signals from the individual television channels are received bydish antennas from communication satellites. Additional local channels,such as local broadcast television stations, educational channels fromlocal colleges, and community access channels devoted to localgovernments (PEG channels) are usually included on the cable service. Itis envisioned that the personalized channels can be inserted at thelocal headend in a similar manner

Television services, such as IPTV television services, can be deliveredusing an internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such asa LAN or the Internet, instead of or in addition to being deliveredthrough traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable televisionformats. IPTV services can include multimedia services such astelevision, video, audio, text, messaging, graphics and/or datadelivered over IP based networks managed to provide the required levelof quality of service to ensure a positive viewer experience, to providefor security, and, in at least some instances, to support interactivity.

The illustrative embodiment, the personal channel server 112 associatesthe video content obtained by the video feed 107 with a particularpersonal channel for distribution to television receivers 118 of one ormore subscribers. For example, the personal channel server 112 directs,marks or otherwise identifies the video content as program content forthe particular personal channel Such marking can include one or more ofadding, modifying or otherwise providing metadata to the video content.Such metadata can be used to associate or otherwise identify the videocontent as program content for the particular channel. Alternatively orin addition, the personal channel server 112 can perform or otherwisedirect the video content to be incorporated into a media feed includingprogram content destined for broadcast on the particular personalchannel. In some embodiments the personal channel server 112 can provideone or more other functions, such as billing, provisioning (of networkresources and/or of personal television channels), advertising,soliciting and providing content ratings, recording content, catalogingbroadcast and/or recorded or otherwise stored mobile video content,imposing access restrictions, managing subscribers and relatedsubscriber accounts, and managing user profiles.

It is envisioned that presentation of video content according to thepersonalized television channels can include advertising. Advertisingcan be provided as overlays, for example, being visible during viewingof personal channel content (e.g., according to a banner, border, frameor window). Advertising can also be presented at other times, e.g.,during account management activities, in association with cataloging ofhistorical content presented on a particular channel, as well as inassociation with cataloging of on-demand content derived from theimpromptu live broadcasts. Alternatively or in addition, advertising canbe provided within the video content itself, e.g., as commercialsspliced or otherwise linked to video content for presentation on aparticular personalized content channel. For example, commercials can berun upon initiation of a broadcast, upon its conclusion and/or at othertimes during the broadcast. Video buffers may be used to preservecontent streamed during such commercial breaks occurring duringpresentation of the video content.

One or more of statistics and or ratings can be generated in associationwith a particular personalized content channel, a particular programpresented on such a channel, or a combination of both. Such ratings orstatistics can be based on one or more of a number of subscribed viewersto a particular channel, a quantity and/or quality of video contentpresented on the particular channel, whether viewers tuned in and/or outduring video content presentation(s), user comments or reviews. Forexample, user reviews can be obtained by a brief survey presented to aviewer of content on the particular channel. The survey can be presentedupon conclusion of the broadcast, upon an event, such as a channelchange, or at a later time. The survey can be solicited by way of aninteractive television network, or by a separate means, such as a textmessage, an email message, a telephone call, a pop-up screen, and thelike.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the personalized channel iscreated with privacy rights that restrict the access of the channel Forinstance, a video author or producer, Sub-A, creates a personalizedtelevision channel by using the video camera 103 to record the scene105. Access rights to the personalized television channel, such as viapassword, subscriber registration or other secure access technologies,could be given to the Sub-A's friends and family that subscribe to thepersonalized channel service to be able to view and listen to mediacontent authored by Sub-A.

In another embodiment, the personalized television channel can becreated as a public channel, such as a standard channel, premiumchannel, video on demand channel or pay-per-view channel, that isavailable on an unrestricted basis to other subscribers of televisiondistribution network 114 and/or accessed as a streaming video signalover the Internet, with or without privacy restrictions, and with orwithout an additional fee. For instance, an author or producer, Sub-A,may wish to serve multimedia content having general appeal, such asnewsworthy content, comedic content, sports content, and the like.

Further, subscribers that are budding playwrights, musicians, conductorsand directors can create their own audio and video programming that issent to the television distribution network 114 on a “live” basis orthat may be uploaded and stored in a centralized location, such asnetwork storage 124, and scheduled for transfer to the televisiondistribution network 114 at selected times, or at opportune times. Suchopportune times can include periods of bandwidth availability,particularly in the context of a shared personalized channel. In anembodiment of the present invention, a subscriber may obtain afractional channel, corresponding to particular programming times and/orbandwidth availability for a personalized television channel that isshared by multiple subscribers. These fractional channel rights may beestablished according to a one-time basis, e.g., in connection with aone-time event such as a single broadcast of a concert, birthday party,family reunion, or to accommodate other programming such as user createdmusic, plays, video clips, movies, etc., on either a live or recordedbasis. In addition, these fractional channel rights may include periodicprogramming slots, such as the 15^(th) of each month at 1:00 pm-3:00 pm,every Tuesday from 6:30 pm-7:00 pm, etc.

In one mode of operation, the option of obtaining a subscriber channel(including fractional channel rights as described above) can be afee-based service of the television distribution network 114.Subscribers wishing to generate their own personalized televisionchannel could pay a periodic fee to the cable network such as a monthlyor annual fee, or a one-time use fee to obtain channel rights for eithera dedicated channel, fractional channel or one-time use of a subscriberchannel. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fee charged (ifany) can be based in whole or in part on factors such as full versusfractional use, the amount of time used, the placement of the channel inthe channel lineup, priority, bandwidth, optional rights to name thechannel, whether the channel is private or public, the type of optionalprivacy restrictions, whether ads are allowed, whether the ads generaterevenue to the subscriber or to the cable company, the time of day ortime of week of the fraction channel rights, etc. Alternatively or inaddition, the subscribers that view the personalized television channel,either singly or together with a group of other subscriber channels orother channels can be charged to view the channel in a manner similar toa video-on-demand, pay-per-view broadcast or premium channel. All or aportion of the fees collected from other viewers of the subscriberchannel could be remitted to the subscriber as revenue or used to offsetsome or all of the cost to the subscriber for the subscriber channel,etc. It is understood that general billing practices can be based on oneor more of reserved services, actual usage, delivered quality ofservice, offsets for ad revenue, popularity, and the like.

The multimedia content can be in the form of one or more video signals,audio signals, multimedia signals or other media signals that are eitherreal-time signals in analog or digital format or data files that containmedia content in a digital format. For instance, the media content canbe transferred as in a broadcast video signal, such as a televisionsignal, high definition televisions signal, enhanced high definitiontelevision signal or other broadcast video signal that has beentransmitted over a wireless medium, either directly or through one ormore satellites or other relay stations or through a cable network,optical network or other transmission network. Further, the mediacontent can be included in a digital audio or video file, transferredfrom a storage medium such as a server memory, magnetic tape, magneticdisk or optical disk, or can be included in a streaming audio or videosignal that is transmitted over a public or private network such as awireless or wired data network, local area network, wide area network,metropolitan area network or the Internet.

The media processor 116 can provide a user interface, for example, incombination with the display 120, to obtain set-up, selections andcontrol regarding the set-up and operation of the personalizedtelevision channel, to receive other user commands and selections inconjunction with the standard media processor functionality and toprovide other selections, commands and other data inputs that arespecific to the one or more features related to generation, accessand/or presentation of video content delivered by the personalizedtelevision channel.

The lower portion of FIG. 1 provides an illustrative example ofinteraction or coordination between various components of the system100. Namely, the mobile device 102 can include an application program,or app, that supports impromptu authoring of live video content to apersonalized television channel. A mobile user, Sub-A, sees somethinginteresting (scene 105) and starts the video-sharing app that may beresident on the mobile device 102, with the intention to share it inreal-time or near real-time with friends and/or family on a personalizedtelevision channel The mobile app is accessed at M1 to initiateimpromptu video broadcast. It is understood that in at least someembodiments, the app is provided according to a client-server model, inwhich a client portion of the app is resident on the mobile device 102,with a server portion of the app resident elsewhere. For example, theapp may be resident on the personal channel server 112, or some otherapplication server (not shown).

The mobile app, at M2 b, requests a mobile bearer set-up (e.g., an LTEEPS bearer), having a prescribed QoS suitable for delivery of streamingvideo of a predetermined size, resolution and/or quality. In at leastsome embodiments, the mobile app, at Mr2 a, also requests a (conference)voice call to equipment of one or more individuals. The individual(s)can include a list of recipients, for example corresponding to thosesubscribers authorized to receive the personalized television channel.In at least some instances the individual(s) can include non-subscribersbeing presented with a voice call, such as a call related to one or moreof the live video content or the personalized television channel Such avoice call can include an offer to subscribe to or otherwise tune to thepersonalized television channel The list can be adjusted, for example,according to a recipient subscriber's presence status, and/or accordingto tailoring or add/drops to an otherwise predetermine list. Themobility network 104 confirms the completion of the mobile bearer set-upat M3 a.

A first network element 110 a at a first network integration point-A(NIP-A) requests a QoS enabled ‘path’ in the core network 108 at M3 b upto a second network element 110 b at a second network integrationpoint-B (NIP-B) with final destination to the equipment of thesubscriber Sub-B (and others from the list if applicable, e.g.,according to a multicast presentation of the personalized televisionchannel). The second network element 110 b at M3 a extends the QoS pathrequest to the media processor 116 of Sub-B. Although the networkintegration points 110 a, 110 b are illustrated as being external to thenetworks 104, 108, 114, it is understood that they can be associated,e.g., contained within, one or more of the networks 104, 108, 114.

The television distribution network 114 completes the QoS enabled pathestablishment at M4. The mobile app streams the impromptu video contentat M5 to the network 108 in a radio uplink on the mobile bearer. In someembodiments, the network 108 stores, at Mr2 b, the streamed videocontent in the network storage 124. Sub-B answers the voice call usingthe telephone 122 and switches the TV receiver 118 or media processor116 to the ‘Personal TV Channel’ at M6 a. Sub-A and Sub-B are free toengage in conversation by way of the established voice session at M7 aand M7 b, while the television distribution network 114 streams thereal-time content to the personalized television channel.

In at least some embodiments, a request to ‘Switch to Personal Channel’TV screen pop-up notification is sent at M3 b. Thus, viewer equipment116, 118 may be tuned to a different channel (e.g., a network broadcastor video on demand), when a notification of the availability of videocontent on the personalized television channel is received. The TVscreen pop-up notification is presented, e.g., as an overlay, towhatever other program content, live, or recorded, being presented atthe viewer equipment 116, 118, 120. The notification allows the viewerto tune to the personalized channel if so desired.

In some embodiments, the pop-up notification identifies one or more ofthe personal channel, the subscriber associated with the video content,or some other indicia related to one or more of the video author and/orthe content, such as a geolocation of the mobile device 102. In someembodiments, the viewer equipment 116, 118, 120 can present anotification even if program or recorded content is not being viewed atthe time. Such notification can include an audible alert or alarm, avisual indicator, such as a front panel display (a light, LED and/oralphanumeric display).

It is envisioned that other means of notification can be provided aloneor in combination with the aforementioned pop-up notifications. Othernotifications as to the availability of personal channel content can beprovided by way of text messages (e.g., SMS), email messages, phonecalls and the like. The notification can provide a viewer to selectivelytune to the personal channel if so desired, or to simply take note thatpersonal material is available on the personal television channel. Thepersonal television content can be viewed and/or recorded. The recordingcan be configured to automatically record content from one or moreparticular personal channels. The recording can be accomplished if aviewer is watching another show, if the viewer tunes to the personaltelevision channel, or even if the viewer is not present. The recordingscan be accomplished locally, e.g., by way of a DVR and/or remotely,e.g., at the centralized network storage 124. In some embodiments,personal video content is identified in a video catalog or electronicprogram guide. When available in recorded form, the otherwise livepresentation can be viewed at a later time.

In some embodiments, impromptu video content is store centrally in avideo server or database 124. The video content items can be catalogedaccording to one or more of a producer or source, content, geolocation,viewer rating, quality, duration, etc. Whether stored local orcentrally, recorded video content can be retrieved or otherwise sharedaccording to various techniques including file sharing, video on demand,peer-to-peer sharing and the like. When cataloged, it is envisioned thataccess to the catalog content can be access restricted, as well. Thus,only viewers that are authorized to access video content of a particularproducer will have access to catalog content, including catalog indicia,of any recorded content.

Authorized viewers might include virtually unrestricted access orpublic, as in all subscribers or television viewers. Authorization canalso be controlled according to individuals or groups. By way ofexamples, group membership might include employees of an organization,alumni of an educational institution, club members, affinity groups, andthe like. Group membership might also include defined groups, such asfriends and/or family Group membership can be controlled by the videoauthor or producer, by consumers, as in the television servicesubscribers, or by some combination of both producers and consumers.

It is also understood that video content made available in real-time byway of the personalized television channel to one group of subscribers,or authorized viewers may be accessible in recorded form by the same ora different group of viewers. For example, it may be recognized that animpromptu video production originally distributed in real-time to alimited number of authorized subscribers may have wider appeal. Theremay be some newsworthy aspect, such as an exciting soccer goal, acomical situation or the like the original author or producer may wishto share in a larger sense. In such circumstances, the author orproducer might establish a different group of authorized users for therecorded version, e.g., a private or semi-private live broadcast mightbe made available in a recorded form to a wider audience, e.g., public,accessible to all subscribers, and vice versa). The recorded versionsmight be accessible by the same and/or different technologies (e.g., TV,pay-per-view, computer, web application, YouTube®, peer-to-peer).(YouTube® is a trademark registered to Google Inc.).

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process 200 used byelements of the personal television channel distribution system 100. Inparticular, the process 200 can be implemented at least partially withinthe personal channel server 112 (FIG. 1). The server 112 determines avideo request has been received at 205. The request can be a requestmessage sent from a mobile app on the mobile device 102. The requestmight identify one or more of an identity of the author and/or producerof the video content, the equipment of the author and/or producer, aparticular personal TV channel, or the like.

The particular personal TV channel upon which the impromptu videocontent will be presented is determined or otherwise identified at 210.Identification of the particular personal TV channel can be obtainedfrom the message itself, where so identified. For example, the authorand/or producer can select a particular personal TV channel according toa mobile app. The mobile app can generate a request message identifyingone or more of the source subscriber and the particular personal TVchannel In at least some embodiments, the source subscriber is a mobileservice subscriber. In some embodiments, the source subscriberidentifies an intended recipient or group of recipients, allowing theserver 112 to identify or otherwise determine a suitable personal TVchannel Selection of the particular personal TV channel by the server112 can be accomplished by one or more of available resource bandwidth,broadcast (television network) status and/or conditions, locations(geolocations and/or network locations) of one or more of the sourcesubscriber and/or recipient subscribers, video size, quality and/orresolution, and the like.

In some embodiments, the server 112 receives mobile video contentassociated with the impromptu request at 215. In this manner, the mobilevideo content can be routed directly through the server 112, orotherwise directed from the server 112. Accordingly, step 215 is shownin phantom to signify it is optional. For embodiments in which the videocontent is not routed through the server, handling of the control planeand data plane can be split. For example, the control plane can berouted through the server 112, allowing the server to controldistribution of the video content according to the televisiondistribution network 114, without requiring that a data plane be routedin the same manner. Thus, network capacity of the server 112 can be lessthan would otherwise be required to route or otherwise distribute videocontent directly from multiple source subscribers to multitudes ofrecipient subscribers.

“Having received the request at 205, and identified the personal TVchannel at 210, the server provides the mobile video content as programcontent on the identified personal TV channel at 220. The personal TVchannel is distributed across the television distribution network 114 at225. In some instances, the personalized TV channel is distributed toparticular recipients, e.g., according to a recipient identifier (e.g.,an IP address provided by an internet services provider, such as a“triple-play” provider, and/or a MAC address) in an IPTV network.Distribution can be limited, or otherwise tailored according togenerally well understood techniques. In at least some embodiments, anotice as to the availability of impromptu content on the particularpersonal TV channel is provided at 230. As this feature is optional, ittoo is shown in phantom.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another process 300 used byelements of the personal television channel distribution system 100. Inparticular, the process 300 can be implemented at least partially withinthe mobile device 102 (FIG. 1). The mobile device 102 determines arequest to distribute impromptu video content at 305. The request can beobtained from a mobile app resident on the mobile device, according to arequest obtained by way of a user interface of the mobile device 102.For example, opening the app from the mobile device launches the app andcan automatically generate a request for distribution of impromptupersonal video content.

A video source is identified at 310, for association with the particularpersonal TV channel. The video source can be obtained from the mobileapp, e.g., according to authorization information as in a usernameand/or password entered into the app. Alternatively or in addition, thesource identity is obtained from one or more of the video camera 103 orthe mobile device 102. Mobile devices, such as smart phones, generallyhave an equipment ID or other such information to identify the deviceand allow mobility network carriers to identify the associatedsubscriber, subscriber account, preferences and the like.

In some embodiments, the application allows for an associated telephonecall. The mobile device, e.g., the app, determines whether an associatedtelephone or conference call is required at 315. Answer can be obtainedfrom a user profile, e.g., always request telephone call, never requesttelephone call, request telephone call according to anothercharacteristic, such as the particular television channel and/orrecipient subscribers or followers. To the extent a telephone call isdetermined at 315, a network request for the telephone call isdetermined at 320, and the call is established at 325.

Regardless as to the existence of the associated telephone call, arequest for video network service is made at 330. The request can bedeliberate, e.g., according to a special request for a suitable networkconnection to deliver video content. Identification of attributes of thevideo content, such as size, quality, resolution, latency, and the likecan be made along with the request. In some instances the request isimplicit in receipt of video packets from the mobile device 102,including the video content.

It is understood that the video content can be distributed or otherwisebroadcast from the mobile device 102 according to any generallyacceptable protocol and/or technique. Without limitation, one exampleincludes establishment of a video stream according to a videocompression/encoding protocol, such as MPEG-2.

Once it has been established by the mobile device 102, e.g., by themobile app, that the video delivery channel or service has beenestablished at 335, the video content is distributed or otherwisetransmitted from the mobile device 102 at 340. The video content isassociated with the particular television channel, for example, by theserver 112, and distributed to TV viewers, including intendedrecipients, by way of the television distribution network 114.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of yet another process 400used by elements of the personal television channel distribution system100. In particular, the process 400 can be implemented at leastpartially within equipment of the recipient subscriber, such as themedia processor 116 and/or the television receiver 118. A notice toavailability of video content is received by the recipient's equipment116, 118 at 405. The notice can identify one or more of the particularpersonal TV channel, the source subscriber, or other indicia of thesource, channel and/or content. The recipient's equipment determines at405, whether a command to tune to the personal TV channel has beenreceived. The command can be obtained from a user interface, e.g., afront panel channel change control or keypad entry, a graphic userinterface presented at the display 120 and/or by way of a remotecontrol, e.g., a wireless remote control (not shown). To the extent thecommand has been received, the recipient's equipment 116, 118 is tunedto the particular personal TV channel at 410.

The recipient's equipment determines at 415, whether an associatedtelephone call has also been received. The recipient's equipment candetect a call according to a VoIP app running on the recipient'sequipment. Alternatively or in addition, receipt of the associated callis detecting according to the recipient's telephone 122. The telephone122 may ring signifying an incoming call. The telephone can be a POTStelephone instrument, a VoIP telephone, a cordless telephone operatingaccording to a cordless telephone protocol, or a mobile telephone. Acaller ID can identify one or more of the source and/or producersubscriber, the particular personal TV channel, or more generally thatthe call relates to video content available on a corresponding personalTV channel To the extent that it is determined that there is anassociated telephone call, an alert to the telephone call is provided at440. The alert can be, as indicated, a pop-up on the display 120, anaudible alert at the TV receiver 118, an audible alert at the telephone,and/or a caller ID at one or more of the recipient equipment 116, 118,120, 120. The telephone call can be established at 445, e.g., if therecipient subscriber answers the call. In at least some embodiments, thecall can be answered automatically, as a matter of course upon one ormore of notification of the availability of the personal TV channelcontent, and/or tuning to the personal TV channel Program content of theparticular personal TV channel is ultimately provided at 420.Presentation can include presentation of the video upon the displaydevice 120. Many of the examples herein refer to rich media content orvideo content.

It should be noted that such rich media content can include one or moreof video content or associated audio content, e.g., from a microphone ofthe camera and/or smartphone. The video content can be 2D or 3Ddepending upon the features of the camera, user preferences and/orchannel capabilities.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 500 for delivering media content. The communication system 500can represent an IPTV media system. The communication system 500 can beoverlaid or operably coupled with the personal television channeldelivery system 100 of FIG. 1, as another representative embodiment ofcommunication system 500. For instance, one or more devices illustratedin the communication system 500 of FIG. 5, such as the personalizedchannel server 530, includes a process that receives a request from amobile device 582 to distribute mobile video content from the mobiledevice 582 by way of a television service. A particular televisionchannel of the television service is determined by the system based onthe request. The mobile video content is received by a wireless accessbase station 517 and routed through a mobility network 580 to thepersonalized television channel server 530. The server 530 providesprogram content including the mobile video content for the particulartelevision channel The program content is distributed by one or morevideo head-end servers 512, 514 to a media processor 506 coupled to atelevision receiver having a display 508 by way of an access network518. The television receiver presents the mobile video content at thedisplay 508.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 510 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 511 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 511 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 514 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 512 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 514 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 518 to commercial and/or residential buildings 502 housing agateway 504 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 518 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 519 to buildings 502. The gateway 504 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 506 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 508 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 507 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 504, the media processors 506, and media devices 508 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 506 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 529 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 5. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 500. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 515 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 531 coupled to thebuilding 502. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver531 can be transferred to the media processors 506 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 508. The media processors 506 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 532 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 533 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system500. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 533 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 530, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 532 towireline media devices 508 or wireless communication devices 516.

The communication system 500 can also provide for all or a portion ofthe computing devices 530 to function as a personalized televisionchannel server (herein referred to as personal channel server 530). Thepersonal channel server 530 can use computing and communicationtechnology to perform function 562, which can include among otherthings, associating impromptu video content received from the mobiledevice 584 with a personalized television channel, according to thetechniques described by processes of FIGS. 2-4. The media processors 506and wireless communication devices 516 can be provisioned with softwarefunctions 564 and 566, respectively, to utilize the services of thepersonal channel server 530. For instance, functions 564 and 566 of themedia processors 506 and wireless communication devices 516 can besimilar to the functions described for the media processor and/ortelevision receiver of FIG. 1 in accordance with the processes of FIGS.2-4.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 517 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 600employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 600 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith the personal television channel delivery system 100 of FIG. 1 andcommunication system 500 as another representative embodiment ofcommunication system 500. For instance, one or more devices illustratedin the communication system 600 of FIG. 6, such as the personalizedchannel server 530, includes a process that receives a request from amobile device 682 to distribute mobile video content from the mobiledevice 682 by way of a television service. A particular televisionchannel of the television service is determined by the system based onthe request. The mobile video content is received by a wireless accessbase station 621 and routed through a mobility network 680 to thepersonalized television channel server 530. The server 530 providesprogram content including the mobile video content for the particulartelevision channel The program content is distributed by one or morevideo head-end servers to a media processor coupled to a televisionreceiver. The television receiver presents the mobile video content atthe display.

Communication system 600 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)640, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 630, and other networkelements of an IMS network 650. The IMS network 650 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 601,602, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 603, 605, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)620 coupled to a PSTN network 660. The MGCF 620 need not be used when acommunication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 620.

IMS CDs 601, 602 can register with the IMS network 650 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 640. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 601 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 604 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF606. The originating S-CSCF 606 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 617 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 617 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 606 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 606 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 630 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 607 to submit a query to the HSS 640 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 614 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 602. Once identified, the I-CSCF 607 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 614. The terminating S-CSCF614 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 616 associated with theterminating CD 602. The P-CSCF 616 may then signal the CD 602 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 6 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 600 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 600 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 601, 602with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 500 ofFIG. 5.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD603 or CD 605 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 630 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 606 to forward the call to the MGCF 620 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 619. The MGCF 620 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 660 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 6 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 6 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 621, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 650 of FIG. 6. The cellular accessbase station 621 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 6.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 621 may communicate directly with the IMS network 650 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 621 and the P-CSCF616.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

The personalized channel server 530 of FIG. 5 can be operably coupled tocommunication system 600 for purposes similar to those described above.The personalized channel server 530 can perform function 562 and therebyprovide personalized channel delivery services to the CDs 601, 602, 603and 605 of FIG. 6 <similar to the functions described for server 530 ofFIG. 5 in accordance with processes 200, 300, 400 of FIGS. 2-4. CDs 601,602, 603 and 605, which can be adapted with software to perform function672 to utilize the services of the personalized channel server 530,similar to the functions described for communication devices 516 of FIG.5 in accordance with processes 200, 300, 400 of FIGS. 2-4. Thepersonalized channel server 530 can be an integral part of theapplication server(s) 617 performing function 674, which can besubstantially similar to function 562 and adapted to the operations ofthe IMS network 650.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 702 of acommunication system 700. Communication system 700 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 500,and/or communication system 600 as another representative embodiment ofthe system 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 500, and/or communicationsystem 600. The web portal 702 can be used for managing services of thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 and communication systems 500-600. A web page ofthe web portal 702 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication devicesuch as those described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5-6. The web portal 702 canbe configured, for example, to access a media processor 506 and servicesmanaged thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video onDemand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or apersonal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings,etc.) stored at the media processor 506. The web portal 702 can also beused for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 702 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 562-566, and 672-674 to adapt these applicationsas may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of system 100of FIG. 1, and communication systems 500-600. For instance, users of theservices provided by server 112 or server 530 can log into their on-lineaccounts and provision the servers 112 or server 530 with any of variousfeatures that a user may want to program, such as user profiles, contactinformation to server to enable it to communication with devicesdescribed in FIGS. 1 and 5-6, and so on. Service providers can log ontoan administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 or server 530.

By way of example, an author or producer subscriber can customize theirpersonalized television channel via the Internet and either via a Webbrowser or email using wireless telephone 56, personal computer 54, apersonal digital assistant or other Internet communication device. Thesubscriber would access a network server that is coupled to thetelevision distribution network 114 that allows them to customize thelook-and-feel of their personalized television channel and do thingssuch as, modify the default video size, quality, resolution, to provideidentifying indicia that can be presented with the video, and/or in anotification message or pop-up sent in connection with availability ofpersonal video content, etc.). In some instances, a user can identifyone or more individuals or groups of individuals associated with one ormore personalized television channels—one channel for friends, anotherfor family and so forth. Other manageable features can includeauthorization or access rights to video content. The output of theircustomization work on the network server would then be coupled to thehead-end system or other portion of cable television distributionnetwork 114 and injected into the subscriber channel. The updates to thepersonalized television channel could take place either in real-time oron-demand Likewise, a viewer or consumer subscriber can use the webportal 702 to customize one or more features the channels they subscribeto, to enter authorization codes or keys, to manage notificationpreferences, recording preferences and so forth. Although the concept ofa web-portal is disclosed for managing user profiles, provisioningpersonalized television channels, gaining access to personal channels,video catalogs, and the like, it is understood that other resources canbe used. For example, a user can access a user profile by way of amobile device, e.g., by text messages, and/or apps including mobile appsand client-server apps, and/or a website.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 800.Communication device 800 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 1, and FIGS.5-6. Communication device 800 in whole or in part can represent any ofthe communication devices described in FIGS. 1 and 5-6 and can beconfigured to perform portions of processes 200, 300, 400 of FIGS. 2-4.Device 800 can be used for providing media content to a televisiondistribution facility. A portion of the media content can be captured byvideo camera and transported over a wireless network as streaming mediato the television distribution facility. The streaming media can serveas program content of a television channel that can be distributed toequipment of one or more television viewers. Viewer access to thetelevision channel can be unrestricted, as in public, or restrictedaccording to various access-restriction techniques, such as thosedisclosed herein.

Communication device 800 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 802 (herein transceiver 802), a user interface (UI) 804, apower supply 814, a location receiver 816, a motion sensor 818, anorientation sensor 820, and a controller 806 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 802 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 802 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 804 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 808 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device800. The keypad 808 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 800 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 808 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 804 can further include a display810 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 800. In anembodiment where the display 810 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 808 can be presented by way of the display 810 withnavigation features.

The display 810 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 800 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 810 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 810 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 800 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 804 can also include an audio system 812 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 812 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 812 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI804 can further include an image sensor 813 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 814 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 800 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 816 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 800 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 818can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 800 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 820 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device800 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 800 can use the transceiver 802 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 806 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 800.

Other components not shown in FIG. 8 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 800 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 806 of the communication device 800. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 800 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 800 to force thecommunication device 800 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 800 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 800 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 8. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 800 can be adapted to perform the functions ofdevices of FIG. 1, the media processor 506, the media devices 508, orthe portable communication devices 516 of FIG. 5, as well as the IMS CDs601-602 and PSTN CDs 603-605 of FIG. 6. It will be appreciated that thecommunication device 800 can also represent other devices that canoperate in the system 100 of FIG. 1, communication systems 500-600 ofFIGS. 5-6 such as a gaming console and a media player.

The communication device 800 shown in FIG. 8 or portions thereof canserve as a representation of one or more of the devices of the system100 of FIG. 1, communication system 500, and communication system 600.In addition, the controller 806 can be adapted in various embodiments toperform the functions 562-566 and 672-675, respectively.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, distribution of impromptu videocontent by personal television channel can be accomplished according toone or more aspects of social media. For example, registered users canview and/or post video clips to a public group and/or to particularsubscribers or followers. Users may subscriber to other users' videoclips with or without access restriction by the video author orproducer. Subscribers to personal channel can form associations for theexchange of information. In some embodiments, when a subscriber choosesto follow another user, the subscriber gains access to a catalog ofpreviously distributed video clips. The catalog may list or otherwiseidentify such video clips according to a reverse chronological order,according to a rating, or some other aspect associated with the videoclip. In at least some instances, the author and/or producer can editstored video content or clips, e.g., providing titles, subject or otherindicia or annotations as may be desired. Users can group video clipstogether by topic or type by use of a tag, e.g., similar to the hashtagsused in Twitter®. (Twitter is a trademark registered to Twitter, Inc.).

A video author or producer can keep followers up to date on a user'sstatus, such as location, by way of rich media content delivered by thepersonal video channel. Rather than simply receiving a notice that asubscriber is at a particular venue, followers are able to observe richmedia content, e.g., an audio and/or video broadcast from the venueitself. The video content might include the author or producer, as in a“selfie” and/or other persons, events and so forth. Distribution of theimpromptu video content by way of the personalized content channel caninitiate or contribute to an ongoing dialog between subscribers to theservice. The dialog can be accomplished by any suitable technique, suchas an accompanying conference call, text messages, emails, postings atan online or otherwise network accessible user space. It is alsoenvisioned that one or more of the impromptu video broadcasts and/orensuing discussions can be made in association with an existing socialmedia service, such as Facebook® or Twitter®. (Facebook® is a trademarkregistered to Facebook, Inc.). Other embodiments can be used in thesubject disclosure.

In some embodiments, broadcast of video content by the personalizedtelevision channel can be limited in one or more of duration, size orbandwidth. Such limitations can be valuable to promote sharing oflimited bandwidth, such as a personalized channel shared by multiplesubscribers. It is understood that such a shared channel might carrypersonalized channel content of more than one subscriber, intended forconsumption by more than one different group.

Access to the content can be controlled according to access restrictiontechniques, such as those disclosed herein. Thus, a channel may be busyand therefore unavailable during a broadcast if a subscriber does nothave authorization. In some embodiments a group of shared personaltelevision channels can be used to serve a group of subscribers.Consider M subscribers having access to N channels, where M>N. At anygiven moment, it may be unlikely that all subscribers are broadcasting,thus the lesser number of channels N can server the greater number ofsubscribers M without it being perceptible that channels are beingshared. A particular channel of the N channels can be assigned to aparticular personalized television channel in an ad hoc manner at thetime of an impromptu broadcast. The identity of the particular channelcan be provided to subscribers in the form of a notice, and/or inmetadata that can be used to notify or otherwise automatically tune thesubscribers' television receiver to the particular personalizedtelevision channel

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the personal channel server 530, the mediaprocessor 506, the network storage 124, e.g., video catalog server andother devices of FIGS. 1 and 5-6. In some embodiments, the machine maybe connected (e.g., using a network 926) to other machines. In anetworked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of aserver or a client user machine in a server-client user networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 900 may include a processor (or controller) 902(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 904 and a static memory 906, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 908. The computer system 900 mayfurther include a display unit 910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 900may include an input device 912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 914 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 916, a signal generationdevice 918 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 920. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units910 controlled by two or more computer systems 900. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 910, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 910.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 924) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 904, the static memory 906, and/or within theprocessor 902 during execution thereof by the computer system 900. Themain memory 904 and the processor 902 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 922 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, and HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, ZigBee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 900.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimizedAccordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: associating, by aprocessing system including a processor, mobile video content obtainedfrom a first mobile device, with a television channel of a televisiondistribution service comprising a plurality of television channels togenerate an updated television channel that includes the mobile videocontent, wherein equipment of a television receiver, when tuned to thetelevision channel, processes a television signal of the televisiondistribution service to obtain the mobile video content for presentationat a display device; and providing, by the processing system, anotification to a second mobile device, wherein the notificationidentifies an association of the mobile video content and the televisionchannel, and wherein, responsive to the notification, equipment of aviewer accesses a message from the second mobile device indicatingavailability of the mobile video content.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the television channel is identified according to a distributionrequest being received from the first mobile device to distribute mobilevideo content from the first mobile device by way of the televisiondistribution service, wherein the mobile video content comprises livevideo content obtained by the first mobile device, and wherein theassociating of the mobile video content comprises providing metadatathat designates the mobile video content for distribution by thetelevision distribution service according to the television channel. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the providing of the notificationcomprises sending the notification to a television receiver, and whereinthe notification comprises indicia of the second mobile device, thetelevision channel or a subject matter of the mobile video content. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the first mobile device comprisesequipment of a mobile service subscriber, and wherein the televisionchannel comprises a personal channel that provides personalized contentof the mobile service subscriber by way of the television distributionservice.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising initiating, by theprocessing system, a voice call between the first mobile device and thesecond mobile device responsive to selection of the personal channel,wherein viewer access to the mobile video content is subject toaccess-restriction.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:storing, by the processing system, the mobile video content in a videocontent repository; and cataloging, by the processing system, the videocontent repository based on the storing of the mobile video content,wherein the television distribution service comprises one of aterrestrial broadcast service, a cable delivery service, a satellitedelivery service, internet protocol television service or a combinationthereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing, by theprocessing system, the mobile video content resulting in stored mobilevideo content; cataloging, by the processing system, the stored mobilevideo content; receiving, by the processing system, a request for thestored mobile video content; and providing, by the processing system,the stored mobile video content in response to the request.
 8. Anapparatus comprising: a memory to store executable instructions; and aprocessing system including a processor in communication with thememory, wherein the processing system, responsive to executing theinstructions, facilitates performance of operations, the operationscomprising: associating video content obtained from a first mobiledevice with a television channel of a television distribution servicecomprising a plurality of television channels to generate an updatedtelevision channel that includes the video content, wherein theassociating of the video content is based on a distribution request; andproviding notification to a second mobile device, wherein thenotification identifies an association of the video content and thetelevision channel, and wherein, responsive to the notification, thesecond mobile device automatically answers a telephone call from thefirst mobile device indicating availability of the video content.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise receivingthe distribution request to distribute the video content by way of atelevision signal of the television distribution service from the firstmobile device, wherein the processor comprises a plurality of processorsoperating in a distributed processing environment, wherein the videocontent is obtained by a camera of the first mobile device, and whereinthe distribution of the television signal to the second mobile deviceoccurs in near real-time.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein theoperations further comprise sending a notification to the second mobiledevice that the video content is available on the television channel,and wherein the notification is responsive to the associating of thevideo content with the television channel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the first mobile device comprises equipment of a mobile servicesubscriber, and wherein the television channel comprises a personalchannel that provides personalized content of the mobile servicesubscriber.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the distributing of atelevision signal of the television distribution service to equipment ofa viewer is associated with a voice call between the first mobile deviceand the equipment of the viewer comprising a television receiverauthorized to receive the television signal.
 13. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the television distribution service comprises one of aterrestrial broadcast service, a cable delivery service, a satellitedelivery service, internet protocol television service or a combinationthereof.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the operations furthercomprise: storing the video content resulting in stored video content;cataloging the stored video content; receiving a request for the storedvideo content; and providing the stored video content in response to therequest.
 15. A non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium,comprising executable instructions which, responsive to being executedby a processing system including a processor facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: associating video contentobtained from a first mobile device, with a video delivery channel of atelevision distribution service comprising a plurality of televisionchannels to generate an updated video delivery channel that includes thevideo content, wherein equipment of a television receiver, when tuned tothe video delivery channel, processes a television signal of thetelevision distribution service to obtain the video content forpresentation at a display device; and initiating a notification to asecond mobile device, wherein the notification identifies an associationof the video content and the video delivery channel, and wherein,responsive to the notification, equipment of a viewer accesses a messagefrom the second mobile device indicating availability of the videocontent.
 16. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium ofclaim 15, wherein the processor comprises a plurality of processorsoperating in a distributed processing environment, wherein the firstmobile device comprises equipment of a first mobile service subscriber,and wherein the video delivery channel comprises a personal channel thatprovides personalized content of the first mobile service subscriber.17. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 16,wherein the operations further comprise determining whether a request toestablish a telephone call with equipment associated with the televisionreceiver receiving the video delivery channel.
 18. The non-transitory,machine-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise identifying attributes of the video content, andwherein the attributes are included with a request to deliver the videocontent using the video delivery channel.
 19. The non-transitory,machine-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the attributescomprise size, quality, resolution, latency, or a combination thereof.20. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 15,wherein the television distribution service comprises one of aterrestrial broadcast service, a cable delivery service, a satellitedelivery service, internet protocol television service or a combinationthereof, and wherein the operations further comprise receiving anotification that live video content is available at a mobile device.